The Democrats haven't been flown to the King Ranch hunting lodge, the way senior Republicans have by U.S. Sugar. But we would like to see the list of current and past Democratic leaders who have accepted entertainment at the Fanjul's Dominican Republic resorts. Democrats in Congress won't refuse sugar money. Here's one reason they should give up the habit.

The Fanjuls own key parcels of land -- thousands of acres -- south of Lake Okeechobee that will need to be taken by eminent domain because these billionaires refuse to contribute to the essential need for Everglades restoration: contiguous wetlands restored to provide connectivity to the Everglades.

Eminent domain requires political will, and campaign contributions like those raised tonite dissolve political will like sugar in cafecito. Money buys silence. And silence is consent.

Cory Booker had a fundraiser hosted by the Fanjuls. It was at a swanky Coral Gables home. I sent an email to his campaign asking why a candidate from NJ would take money from South Florida environmental destroyers. I implored the Booker campaign to do their research instead of just bellying up to the money trough.

Needless to say, I received no reply. The irony is, if he is elected, I will have the opportunity to confront him directly when I travel to DC for union business. LOL